Deux

     First it was the sight of three hungry kids, two hungry parents, and one hungry grandfather through the side window. She loved this family, but had not gotten to spend much time with them. Then, she allowed a thought, just a little old thought, to change her direction. She knew she would make it to Marie's in time if she ran. And ran she did. She ran to the estate, filled up a knapsack and returned to Remi's house. She was going to leave it at the front door, but didn't want to risk the stray dogs finding it. So she knocked. This was a bit strange. She had never been to their house. Nicolas answered the door. "Nico! So good to see you!" This was a bit awkward because, just beyond Nicolas, Emilie could see his very thin and feeble grandfather. Nico's older sister Remi soon joined them at the door. They were younger, about fourteen and eleven, but Remi at least carried herself as if she was an adult. That was common with some of the children in the neighborhood. They were all so full of warmth and life and love, but the kids had to grow up too fast.
     "I brought this for your family" she said as she handed them the knapsack. "I thought you might be able to put good use to it before it went bad." They looked inside to find bread, some cold meats, and some fruit. "All I ask is that you don't tell anyone it was from me. I'd like to keep this a secret if at all possible." They nodded their heads quietly and watched her leave.
     She went directly to Marie-Christine's house. So many people had already shown up, so she was able to sneak inside and let her hair down for a little. She got to run into some of the other children she had come to be friends with, Pierre and Jean-Michel and Natalie. Though, these kids weren't really kids. They were around her age. Natalie was very beautiful, with her long brown hair and long brown eyelashes. Jean-Michel was very handsome himself. He was a couple of year older, and he was growing up. Pierre was very young at heart, and Emilie never would have wanted him to change. She also got to see Olivier, her favorite seven year old,  the son of one of her other maids, Sabine. It all felt like family. With all the weeks at school, this was a lovely way to spend an evening.
     Though he didn't say anything Jean-Michel found out about her generosity to Remi and Nico. They kept their word about not telling, but, when he saw the fruit, a luxury for the upper-class, he knew it must have been Emilie. Her choice of food gave her away. Jean-Michel knew it was her. In that moment, when he learned of her kindness and generosity, Jean-Michel fell in love with Mademoiselle Emilie.